Taken (5 page)

Chapter Seven

             
“Thank you for walking me.” I say, opening the door to my white Sorento. I stop, turning to him. “Why haven't you tried to contact me?” I ask, not able to hide the hurt in my voice. “You couldn't wait three days for me to come home from Vermont to talk to me and now here I am, not fifteen minutes from you and nothing.”

             
“Addison, you needed time, I needed to give you time. But don't for one second think that I wasn't living in hell everyday that passed. Knowing you were so close, that a quick drive across town and you could be in my arms drove me crazy. This last week has been torture. Can't you see that?” His question comes out in a plead, his eyes silently willing me to understand.

             
“What if I don't need time? What if what I need is you? Your reassurance, hell your presence. I'm so tired of people making decisions for me. I'm not a fragile figurine that is just going to shatter every time life throws something at me. I can handle a lot of things but you viewing me that way is something I can't handle.” I can feel my eyes pool with tears and I do my best to fight them back.

             
“I know how strong you are, that's not the question. For once Addison, god for once, I am just trying to put someone else's needs above my own. I'm sorry if my silence had the opposite effect. I don't want to hurt you anymore than I already have. I never want to see the pain in your eyes, the mistrust that I see right now, ever again. I put it there and it guts me that I did.” He reaches out, linking his hand around the back of my neck, giving me no option but to look at him square in the face.

             
“I hurt the one person that has the power to save me. I'll never forgive myself for that. I know I should let you go, let you walk away and live your life without me. But I am a selfish man and I love you too much, I need you too much, to let you go.” His words wash over me like a tidal wave. Sucking me under, my body flailing through the crashing water, struggling for breath.

             
“Then don't.” My words come out only as a whisper.

             
“Never.” His words are gruff and full of desire sending my body reeling. Reacting in the way it only reacts to Liam. A fire quickly spreads through my body until I am engulfed, consumed.

             
He pulls me to him, his lips finding mine instantly. I lose myself in his touch, his smell, the way his tongue works slow, long, sweeps inside my mouth until I am panting and grabbing at his shirt, pulling him closer into me.

             
His erection digging into my belly only sends me into more of a frenzy. I rake my nails up his back and lose my breath for a moment when he groans into my mouth. I want this, I need this. I have to have him now. I pull him back towards my open car door but just like that, he breaks away, leaving me confused and panting for air.

             
“Addison, it would be so easy to take you right now. But I don't want you to rush into anything fearful that if you don't, you're somehow going to lose me. I know that I need to earn your trust and I want it, more than anything.”

             
As if my mind finally starts working again, I lock my gaze on his. “Your loss.” I say, dipping out of his grip and climbing into the drivers seat of my car. He steps between me and the door before I have a chance to close it, leaning in until his nose is touching mine.

             
“It is my loss but the waiting will only make it that much sweeter when I am buried inside of you making you scream my name.” I take a sharp intake of air as he brushes his tongue seductively across my lower lip.

             
“You don't play fair.” I whisper against his mouth.

             
“That's because I'm not playing.” He says roughly, before pressing his lips to mine in a mind blowing, all consuming kiss that leaves me panting when he pulls away.

             
“Be safe beautiful.” He says, closing my car door and giving me a sweet smile before walking away, leaving me in a bubbling pool of desire.

             
I don't know if I should be offended or completely swept off my feet. One thing is for certain, this man is full of surprises. I smile inwardly as I back out of my parking spot and head for home.

             
The drive back is quick and peaceful as most of the city is now sleeping and there is very little traffic. I sneak into the apartment Kristina and I share, careful to not make any noise as I close and lock the door behind me.

             
The apartment is silent and I can't help but feel relief that I have at least one day to put off the conversation that I know is coming. I creep down the hall to my room before locking myself inside and flopping down on the bed.

             
I feel lighter somehow, like some of the weight has been lifted from my shoulders and I can breathe again. As if repairing a broken heart would always be this easy. A smile, a touch, a kiss and instantly all the bad just floats away and all that is left is want, need, desire, love.

             
My phone signals an incoming text message and as much as I don't want to move, I know it's from Liam. I grab my purse from the floor and retrieve my phone, opening my incoming messages.

Did you get home okay?

             
I smile at the message and click reply.

Safe and sound

             
I respond before sending another message

I can't talk, I have a date with Bob (In case you're not savvy on the uptake, that means Battery Operated Boyfriend)! Goodnight

             
I smile, imagining the look on his face when he reads the message.

Oh fuck no!

             
His response is almost instant.

Well I have to find pleasure somewhere.

             
I can't help but laugh as I press send. It feels good to laugh. To have this little playful banter taking the place of all the deep meaningful conversations that have taken place as of recently.

Your pleasure is mine and mine alone. Tell Bob to fuck off!

             
I burst out laughing at his response, glad to see that his sense of humor is resurfacing.

As is yours

             
I send him a friendly little reminder.

Always, no one but you... ever. Goodnight A. Sweet dreams
.

              I lock my phone and plug it into the charger next to my bedside table before plopping back onto my bed, still fully dressed. I don't have the energy to change, so I just lay there. My body strung tight, the ache between my thighs surfacing at the thought of Liam, his hands on me. His tongue running across my lower lip. I mirror the action, certain that I can still taste him there.

             
How quickly things can change when you're dealing with a man like Liam. He has the power to break me, glue me back together and make me stronger than before without even batting an eye. One touch and my skin comes alive. One kiss and my body is aching for him. One word spoken in that raspy sexy voice of his and I am putty in his hands. He has me and what's worse, he knows it.

Chapter Eight

             
I wake Sunday morning to an empty apartment. Since I guess Kristina has officially decided that we are no longer on speaking terms, she didn't leave a note or text me like she normally would. This is the second day in a row that I have awoken to an empty apartment and I am starting to wonder if she even came home last night.

             
She's no doubt staying at Sam's which is great for her but it leaves me with a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach that I just can't seem to shake. I hate being on the outs with her, especially since we live together, which makes her silence and absence even more unsettling.

             
I haven't heard anything from Liam since Friday night with the exception of a short text telling me that he was flying to New York for a couple of days to take care of some kind of business and to tell Bob to keep away from his woman. As much as I hate the idea of him being away during such an unsettling time in our relationship, I understand that he has responsibilities.

             
I would be lying if I said that I am not bothered by the fact that we still really haven't talked about what happened other than him acknowledging that he hurt me and promising to make it up to me. I wish he could just see that all I really want is to know him. For him to trust me enough to confide in me about his life and who he truly is.

             
My phone signals a new message breaking into my thoughts. I cross the length of the room and retrieve it from my bedside table. It's from Dana.

Get dressed. I'm taking you to lunch. Be there in an hour.

              I text a quick reply telling her okay. Having spent the entire day alone in our apartment yesterday, I could use a little distraction and Dana always has a way of making me feel better. Mostly because she gives it to me straight and lets me know when I am being a childish brat or simply over thinking things again, which I do often.

             
I take a quick shower and then blow dry my hair, pulling it back into a loose ponytail before slipping on a pair of faded jeans and a black tank top. I keep my makeup light and am just finishing up when Dana texts me again letting me know she's here.

             
I grab my keys and purse, slipping on a pair of black flip flops on my way out the door. I spot Dana's car immediately, parked illegally outside of our apartment complex. I shake my head, making my way over to her.

             
“Hey girl.” She says, as I slide into the black leather seat and click my seat belt in place. “Thanks for coming to lunch with me. I am on guy overload and if I didn't get away for a few I was going to explode.” She laughs, putting the car in drive and easing out into the street. I forgot that Dana's two brothers were in town for a week from California and staying with her. I can imagine she's ready to pull her hair out.

             
We make small talk on the way to the city. It feels good to just have a light conversation and not have someone pushing me for more information. I know that part is coming. I haven't spoken to Dana in any great detail since my trip to Vermont. While she knows the basics, we haven't really had a chance to just catch up on everything.

             
It takes us about twenty minutes to reach
Tucks
, a hopping bar and grill in the heart of the city. I have only been here a couple times but I know a lot of people come here after work for the wings and beer. We seat ourselves at one of the high top tables in the bar area. The restaurant is separated into two different sections. A large dining area that is filled with square tables throughout the center and large booths lining each wall and the bar area that houses several high top tables and a full bar that runs the entire length of the back wall. There are at least thirty flat screen televisions mounted through out the restaurant, all of which are set on sports channels.

             
We place our order and the waitress returns with our beers within a couple of minutes. Once she leaves us, I can feel Dana's eyes on me as I peer up at the large television hanging directly above the bar. “What?” I say in a joking voice, knowing that she is dying to ask me a question but is waiting until she has my full attention.

             
“Sooooo.” She stretches out, waiting for me to meet her eyes before she continues. “How are things?” She asks, once my attention is on her.

             
“Okay I guess.” I say shrugging.

             
“Seriously, I haven't talked to you in days. Spill Grant!” She says, narrowing her eyes at me.

             
“Spill what? My life is in shambles, my best friend and roommate isn’t speaking to me. I've been home for a week and have seen Liam once and that's only because we unexpectedly ran into each other and now he's in New York. Not to mention the fact that we have yet to really discuss anything, I still know no more about him than I did the night I found out that he owned
Bella Vita
.” I get out in a rush and then let out a huge breath, relieved to have just said everything out loud.

             
“So you and Liam, he hasn't explained?” She eyes me curiously. She picks up her phone and fidgets with it for a moment before placing it back on the table and directing her eyes back to me.

             
“He's apologized, given me his reasoning for not telling me sooner, like that makes it better. But no, we have yet to really talk about things. I know I want to move past this, I can't deny....”

             
“That you are head over heels in love with him.” Dana says, finishing my sentence.

             
“Even that's an understatement.” I laugh, taking a large gulp of my beer before continuing. “I don't know how to explain it. It's like I'm addicted to him. Like he's the strongest nicotine and I just can't shake the habit.”

             
“Maybe that's how you know it's real.” She reassures me before picking up her phone that beeps on the table. She types something in and then sets it back down before continuing. “So I've been thinking and don't freak out okay?”

             
“Don't give me a reason to freak out.” I joke but it doesn't calm the nerves that are suddenly flooding my body like a rush of cold water.

             
“Do you think there is any way that Liam could have been the reason you landed the
Bella Vita
project to begin with? I mean it's his event, his company. He could tell Steven to put a sign on the moon and he would have to do it.”

             
My mind instantly starts spinning. I don't know why I never thought of that. “He wouldn't, would he?” I say the question more to myself than to Dana.

             
“Addison you are amazing at your job, so please don't take this the wrong way. But doesn't it seem just a wee bit suspicious that not long after meeting him you land the largest account we have? An account that he controls? Not to mention that there are several senior managers that put in for that project and they weren't even considered?” I put my head in my hands, shaking slightly at her words.

             
“Oh my god. How did I not see this?” My words are breathy and broken. My mind is reeling in every direction. First he lies to me, keeps information about himself, need to know information, secret. But now he's meddling in my career too?

             
“Don't freak girl, for all you know Steven may really have felt like you were the best candidate. Who knows. I just thought you might want to consider the possibility.” She says almost apologetic, which is very un-Dana like.

             
I drain the contents of my glass and hold it up, signaling the waitress for another beer. “I'm gonna need a few more of these.” I say, sitting my empty glass on the edge of the table. Dana picks up her phone again, types something else and then sets it back down again before pinning her eyes on me.

             
“So what's going on with you and Kristina?” She asks. I sigh loudly. I knew this was coming.

             
I spend the next half hour giving Dana all the details on the argument with Kristina, admitting my fault of course but also making my point that she crossed the line in talking to Liam without at least letting me know about it. I mean she did after all, watch me drive myself crazy for days before letting me know that she knew why Liam hadn't reached out to me.

             
Turns out Dana was texting Kristina through our lunch to get her side of things, so she had a few words of advice for me. One, never accuse your best friend of having a thing for your man. Noted. Two, don't walk out on a fight, it's better to resolve it than to let it fester. Got it. And three, when you are in the wrong, you should be the one to apologize. So is that her way of telling me I was the one in the wrong? Regardless, my favorite thing about Dana is she doesn't judge and she sees things from all sides. She also tells me exactly what I don't want to hear but what I need to hear none the less.

             
By the end of lunch, Dana and I have managed to drink five large draft beers each and find ourselves stumbling out of the restaurant laughing like high school girls. Dana trips over her own feet and takes a nose dive to the ground, me trying very unsuccessfully to catch her and going down with her. We end up laying on our backs in the middle of the sidewalk laughing hysterically.

             
I see people above us, sidestepping around us and looking at us like we have lost our minds but I really don't care. I don't care that it's the middle of a Sunday afternoon and that I am so drunk that the sky above me has started to spin. All I care is that right now, in this moment, I feel okay. I am not plagued by the constant thoughts of Liam and the 'what ifs'. No, right now, I just simply don't give a shit. And you know what, it feels good not to give a shit for a change.

             
The sun shining brightly in my face is blocked out by a shadow hovering over me. I squint to try to make out the face, sure that it's someone about to yell at us for our ridiculous behavior. But then the blurred face above me starts to come into view and my stomach plummets to my feet.

             
“Ladies, you're looking as beautiful as ever.” Liam says, looking from me to Dana, who is still sprawled out beside me.

             
“Ah shit, busted.” She says on a slur before breaking into a fit of laughter again. I can't help but join her. I know it's ridiculous and completely immature but I just don't care right now.

             
“Well it would appear that you ladies are in need of a ride home. Dave, can you please make sure that Ms. McCoy gets home safely.” Liam says, sending my attention to the man standing next to him that I hadn't even noticed was there. I recognize him immediately. The larger than life man that once carried a passed out Grayson out of my apartment after he had shoved his way in.

             
“No, I need my car.” Dana whines, pushing herself up into a sitting position and crossing her arms over her chest like a pouting child.

             
“I will make sure your car is delivered to your apartment before the end of the day. Dave.” He says. Dave wastes no time hoisting Dana to her feet and positioning his muscular arm around her waist to hold her steady.

             
I still have made no attempt to move from the ground. Liam looks back down at me shaking his head, a very amused smile playing on his lips. “Now what am I going to do with you?” He says on a small laugh.

             
“Well Mr. Mason, I can think of a few things.” I try to say all sexy but it probably has the opposite effect given that it was tainted by my slurring voice.

             
He makes a clicking sound with his tongue, shaking his head. “Why Ms. Grant, do you always come onto people while your laying drunk in the middle of the sidewalk, or am I the first?” He asks, grabbing my hands and pulling me into a sitting position.

             
The world around me spins and loops before I finally can see straight again. Liam leans over, pulling me to my feet. I lose my footing almost immediately and stumble into his chest. I breathe in deeply, feeling his laughter vibrating through him. “Hmmm, I love your laugh.” I say, feeling his chest vibrate again.

             
“Alright beautiful, let's get you home.” He says, leaning down to hoist me over his shoulder, my ass straight up in the air. I try to protest, to wiggle from his grip but he only laughs harder.

             
“Liam, put me down. I can walk!” I exclaim, feeling suddenly very queasy from the movements of being carried.

             
“Yeah, I can tell. Now shut it woman.” He says, laughing and giving my ass a quick smack. I squeal on impact, my butt cheek left with a nice little sting.